Improving antioxidant status in aged mice by 50% ethanol extract from red bean fermented by Bacillus subtilis

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 50% ethanol extracts from red bean non-fermented (RBE) and fermented by Bacillus subtilis (RBNE) on the antioxidant status of aged ICR mouse. Results Compared to 2-month-old ICR mouse, the plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) in 12-month-old ICR mouse decreased about 57%, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and brain of 12-month-old ICR mouse increased 56% and 30%, respectively. Orally administration of RBE or RBNE could completely recover the changes of MDA and plasma TAS levels due to the aging process. Vitamin E contents declined 88% in the liver and 74% in the brain of aged ICR mouse. At a level of 0.3 or 0.6gkg-1 body weight, RBNE raised vitamin E content in the liver and brain; however, RBE showed no significant influence. All antioxidant enzymes activities in the liver and brain of aged ICR mouse decreased compared to those activities in 2-month-old ICR mouse. RBNE could significantly enhance the superoxide dismutase activity in the brain of aged ICR mouse. Conclusion Oral administration of RBE or RBNE could improve antioxidant status in aged ICR mouse. Fermentation by Bacillus subtilis could enhance the antioxidant properties of red bean. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry